As doctors we have to perform to a high standard in many settings, whether this is leading a ward round, cardiac arrest, or operating. Our technical skills are important, and out mindset matters too. In this episode, Krystle and I discuss mental performance.

We talk about career transitions and how they relate to our own self identity, and discuss the need to be aware of what matters to you, and the need to let go of some things from the past. We talk about how strengths can also become a weakness, and that doing things at the extreme is probably not going to be good; ask whether this belief is serving you or harming you.

Mental performance starts with self awareness, and self awareness is a life long journey not something that you do once and then forget about it. Self awareness includes thoughts, feelings, as well as body sensations; the latter can be particularly useful indicators. When difficulties arise, we need to identify what we are afraid of, what's the worst that could happen, what's at stake, and what exactly the issues are (it may be a learning need or style as much as anything related to thinking); this needs to be done with no judgement, so we convert limiting thoughts into thoughts that serve us.

Visualisation is a really useful tool to prepare for the future; visualisation is not about magical thinking, it's about mentally preparing and planning for whatever you need to achieve. And mind is like a muscle, so the more you visualise, self-reflect, and reframe, the better it gets.

Krystle Kustanovich, an accredited mental performance coach is renowned for her transformative work with top athletes and high achievers. With a unique focus on the intricacies of the mental game, Krystle empowers individuals to conquer their inner barriers and unleash their full potential. Grounded in neuroscience, Krystle's approach offers practical techniques that drive tangible results, enabling clients to surpass limitations and achieve unparalleled success.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystlekustanovich/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystle.coach/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krystle.coach
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.millennialcoach
Podcast: "I never thought of it that way" https://open.spotify.com/show/0KvGzdOydPMg1hbMUdhuZj?si=f45cba449107453f
Website: https://mentalperformance.co.za/

You can also watch at www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.
Production: Shot by Polachek